6th project meeting for ISS MSL-EML at DLR Cologne

On28/02/2014an Ariane-rocketwithATV-5 will carry the materials sciencelaboratory electromagnetic levitation unit (MSL-EML) to the International SpaceStation(ISS). The experimentmodulewill beinstalledin the EuropeansciencelaboratoryColumbusatthe ISS.Itallowsfor the investigation ofthermophysicalpropertiesof liquid metalsand their solidification under weightlessness and without any contact with containerwalls.

On July 4th to 6th 2012, the sixthinvestigator working group (IWG) meeting was held at the Institute ofMaterials Physics inSpace, DLR inCologne. Scientistsfrom Europe, USA and Asia, representativesfrom industry(Astrium), staff membersof the Microgravity User Support Center (MUSC), and representatives of thespace agenciesESA andDLR meet to discuss and coordinate the current scientific and technical issues of EML.

I.Egry and D.Matson in front of EDR EML Trainings Model at EAC, Cologne

Prof. Ivan Egry announced his decision to retire from his longstanding leadership of the IWG, after a dedicated and fruitful tour of duty.DouglasMatson, associateprofessorat TuftsUniversity inMedford(United States) was elected as his successor. As deputyspokesman, Stefan Klein from theInstituteof MaterialsPhysics in Space wasselected.

In addition, theparticipants visited the trainingmodelof the experimentat the neighboringEuropeanAstronaut Centre (EAC) where theastronauts are trained forthe installation andoperationof the planned missions.